Officially closed as a prison in 1989, Boggo Road Gaol re-opened its doors (this time to the public) for a variety of historical excursions in December 2012. Since then, this tourist attraction has drawn many visitors; providing an entertaining and educational experience for those who participate in their historical gaol tours in Brisbane, ex officer/ex inmate tours and after-dark ghost tours. An integral part of Brisbane’s history, these guided tours are keeping that rich history alive.
The History of Boggo Road Gaol
Officially known as the Brisbane Prison, Boogo Road Gaol was named after its access road, which often became boggy after rain. The gaol has become an icon in Brisbane, largely due to its initial role as a place of execution. The jail itself was in fact used primarily as a holding prison for those on remand or serving short sentences. In the 1920’s however, inmates from Moreton Bay’s St Helena Island prison, who were serving longer sentences for crimes such as murder and violence, were moved into the now infamous Number Two Division of the Brisbane Prison.
Educational and Fun Historical Prison Tours
Historical Tours of Boggo Road Gaol are a very family friendly experience. The History of Boggo Road Gaol Tour consists of a short, easy walk through Number Two Division and offers plenty of time to explore one of the original cellblocks. School excursions to the Brisbane Prison also provide an educational and real-life experience that is unsurpassed. To book an educational school excursion at Boggo Road Gaol, please visit http://boggoroadgaol.com/educational-experiences/.
Ghost Gaol Tours Brisbane
Boggo Road Gaol’s distinctive red brick walls and imposing guard tower on Annerley Road have become icons of south Brisbane’s history and provide the perfect backdrop for eerie night-time ghost tours. Dating back to the 1930’s, ghosts have been said to make appearances on many occasions at Boggo Road Gaol. Tours through the last remaining section of the notorious Number Two Division are said to be THE place to spot a ghost in Brisbane. Boggo Road Gaol Ghost Tours are recommended for children over the age of 12 years.
Boggo Road Jail’s Ex-officer and Inmate Tours
Boggo Road’s ‘Prison Players’ are a re-enactment troupe who participate in the ex-officer and inmate tours. Throughout their highly educational gaol tours in Brisbane, and on the last Sunday of every month, they bring the prison back to life with their portrayal of existence as prisoners and wardens back when the gaol was operational. Ex-officer and Inmate Tours are strictly limited to those over the age of 15 years.
Boggo Road Gaol is open 6 days a week for guided tours only. 90 minute tours run twice daily. Tickets are available from 15 minutes prior to a tour or online via the Boggo Road Gaol website. Private hire of the gaol is also available for special events.
For further information on the history of Boggo Road Gaol, and to find out more about prison tours, please visit their website at http://boggoroadgaol.com/ or follow their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/boggoroadgaol .
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